The youngest chick was snatched by a Great Horned Owl, July 9th. It came back for the older chick on July 11th. Another tragic end to the season in Belwood.
The female osprey has not been seen since June 20th. Another bird, who appears to be a male, has been landing on the nest lately, making itself right at home. Very interesting nest to watch this season as the male has been feeding the chicks, they are doing well.
OpsreyCam Watchers: Only one parent has been on the nest since Sunday morning and is feeding and caring for the two young birds. They appear to be healthy. A dead osprey was found nearby on Sunday morning. This bird was picked up by GRCA staff and is being sent for an assessment to determine its condition and why it died. Test results could take a few weeks.
Last years male, Luther, is around the nest quite often. The female from last season arrived on the 8th and was at the nest till the 9th but has been away most of the days since being seen only once on the 11th during the evening for a bit. The 12th there is an interesting stand off between 2 birds, Luther and another unidentified osprey.
The chicks at just over 2 weeks of age are really thriving. Growing every day, becoming very inquisitive wanting to look over the side of the nest. They seem to be very strong, looks like both at this point will do well. The parents have really learned to work as a pair providing lots of food for the chicks and protecting when any other birds are around.
The female Belwood Lake osprey was banded at Luther Marsh on Canada Day, 2010 by Master bird bander David Lamble. Three young were banded at the same nest that day. David hasn’t received any other reports of any of these three in other locations. Ospreys usually begin to breed when they are 3 to 5 years old. Because this male isn’t banded and we don’t know anything about him.
The younger chick flew off never to be seen again. No one really knows what happened though it might appear s/he didn't make it. The older one had a great season, calling for food, flying with the parents and then leaving just after Labour day weekend. Both the chicks were banded, will we see either of them again?
Second egg hatched sometime on Sat. Sun morning 1 of the chicks was no longer alive. Mom pulled it out of the nest bowl over to the side of the nest then, after a bit she flew off with it. 3rd egg has not hatched as of yet.
Incubation is right on target for hatching the first week of June. Very experienced pair, takes seconds for them to switch incubation duties. I've never seen the eggs unattended.
Past Seasons
Show reports, diaries, and photos from:Current 2016 2015
Activity reports
Photos of this nest
Nesting Diaries